The main priority of the Russian foreign policy still includes the preservation and consolidation of its influence in the CIS countries. This region traditionally occupies a priority area on the foreign policy track. Nowadays, modern states achieve their geopolitical objectives through new opportunities. Due to globalization, growing interdependence and deepening regional ties, the use of traditional «hard» methods of influence does not seem relevant. At the same time, the influence and control that states can extend to other territories may also depend on their image in the international arena. In this regard, countries tend to spread their values. Many European states, the United States and China have been using soft power as the main instrument of foreign policy to promote their interests and spread their culture. Russia also seeks to apply new technologies to spread Russian culture, language and values. The author pays special attention to the potential of Russian education, which acts as an instrument of long-term political influence in the CIS, as well as creating a favorable image in the international arena. The potential of Russia in the CIS countries in the field of application of «soft power» of education and examples of the use of such resources are considered.
geopolitics; foreign policy; foreign policy interests of Russia; CIS; education; «soft power»; country's image; values; Russian language and culture; promotion of the Russian language abroad